The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially released the payment calendar for January 2026, giving grant beneficiaries clear dates for when they will receive their monthly social grant funds. This schedule applies to core SASSA grants including Older Persons Grants, Disability Grants, and Children’s Grants, and helps millions of South Africans plan their household finances at the start of the year.
January 2026 Social Grant Payment Dates
For January 2026, SASSA has confirmed that Older Persons Grants will be paid on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, followed by Disability Grants on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, and Children’s Grants including Child Support and Foster Care Grants on Thursday, 8 January 2026. These dates apply nationwide and cover payments issued through bank deposits, SASSA cards, ATMs, and approved retail pay points.
The staggered schedule is designed to help beneficiaries access their funds smoothly while reducing pressure at payment points during the beginning of the year. The first week of January is often busy due to customers returning from the festive season, and SASSA’s structured rollout helps manage queues and bank loads.
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant Window
In addition to the regular monthly grants, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant for January 2026 is expected to be paid later in the month. Approved SRD recipients typically receive the R370 R370 grant between the last week of January, usually around 24 January to 30 January 2026, depending on when their application was approved and processed. Beneficiaries should regularly check their SRD status online to confirm the exact payment day.
Preparing for Payments
SASSA has reminded beneficiaries that once funds are released on the official payment date, they remain in the recipient’s account until accessed. There is no need to withdraw money immediately on the first day. Beneficiaries are also encouraged to update their banking and contact information on the SASSA portal to reduce the chance of payment delays.
With the January 2026 payment calendar now confirmed, millions of South Africans can budget and plan ahead for the new year with confidence, knowing exactly when their social grant money will be available.